
class. 
Book. 



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Dr. FURMAN'S 



ON THE 

DBA T H 

OF 



^a7ncUo7in 



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7^y 



DEATH'S DOMINION OVER MAN CONSIDERED. 

9i S>ermon, 

OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF THE 

HONORABLE MAJOR GENERAL 

Kytleccander JuamcCton ; 

PREACHED AT THE BAPTIST CHURCH^ 
IN 

CHARLESTON, SOUTH-CAROLINA, 

THE 

FIFTEENTH DAY OF AUGUST, 1804, 

BEFORE THE 

STATE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI, 

THE 

AMERICAN REVOLUTION SOCIETY i 

AND 

A NUMEROUS ASSEMBLAGE OF OTHER CITIZENS: 

AND, PUBLISHED AT THE JOINT REQUEST OF THE 
TWO SOCIETIES. 



BY RICHARD FURMAN, D. D. 

PASTOR OF SAID CHURCH^ 
AND A MEMBER OF THE REVOLUTION SOCIETV, 



** It is appointed unto men once to die ; but after Ihis the judjrment* 

Hcb, ix, 27, 

^ -2>*^"^0->.iaK5 — — 

CHARLESTON: * ;** 

PRINTED BY W. P. YOUNG, 
I^RANKHn's head, no. 41, BROAD-STRE£T. 






:^: 



^HOSE highly respectable bodies, the CiNCINWATr in ihii 
siute, and /j^f v-.merican Revolution Society, ha'ving 

h ill I'lCi sed to rutice the /ti!c--v.}itig sermon luith Apprchation^ 
ana t . request its puhl c.tion j it is no^Wt under that patronage, 
submitted y by the out bury to the 'vie'w of a caudid public, 

njuith ad due respect. 



Charleston, August 17, 1S04. 



yc 



SERMON, 



::-::'*• ::^ 



Psalm lxxxix. 48th. 

'* What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death ? Shall 

** he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave P* Selah. 



E 



iXEMPTION from death, is in vain expected, or defired 
by any of the human race. Elevated stations in honor, or 
power; pre-eminence in intellectual, moral, or religious 
attainments; however they may secure to their possessors 
important advantages, and preserve from a variety of other 
evils, cannot defend them from the arrest of the king of 
terrors. 

No truth is more generally acknowlcged than this; 
because none is more obvious. But how often are truths, the 
most obvious and important, forgotten or disregarded, by 
thoughtless, deluded man ! Not only his mortality, but his 
dependence on his God, and accountableness to him, arc 
frequently found among the number. Hence the propriety 
shall I say, or rather necessity of the calls of revelation, and 
the alarms of Providence to rouse us from our lethargic 
security, and fix our attention on this momentous truth : 
That wc must did A truth, intimately connected with all 

that 



that is to be hoped, or feared, by the probationer for a 
future, everlasting existence. The interrogations in the 
text are evidently designed to enforce this truth : They arc 
addressed rather to the conscience than to the understanding; 
to affect the heart, rather than inform the mind. 

On the form of expression used by the psalmist, which 
is to a high degree figurative, we may remark ; that ' seeing 
deathy denotes experiencing it, that the * soul,^ here signifies 
natural life, and the * hand of the grave* its power; and if, 
as critics have thought, the Hebrew word < Selah,' is gene- 
rally used as a note of attention, it must, in this connection, 
be designed to impress our minds with a sense of the solemn 
nature of the subject proposed. 

This subject, always interesting and important, now 
arrests our attention through the medium of an awful in* 
stance of mortality, calculated to give aloud alarm, and con- 
strain us, almost involuntarily, to exclaim, in the language 
of the royal prophet: " How is the mighty fallen 1" 

This mournful event, the untimely death of Major 
General Hamilton, having induced a highly respected 
part of my audience to appoint the solemn service of thi*. 
morning, as a mean of testifying their respect for the de- 
ceased, and of improving his death to the important pur- 
poses of religion, I fhall, in a view of the text before us, 
attempt a brief illustration of the following interesting 
propositions, which naturally result from it : 

First : The reafon of death's universal dominion over the 

human race. 

Secondly : The importance of the subject. 

Thirdly : The proper manner of improving the humbling 
truth, that we must die. 

The whole to conclude with an application of the subject 
to the mournful event which we recognize and deplore. 

first : The reason of death's universal dominion over 
man. Our enquiry respects the cause, considered in a 

moral 



moral and religious point of view : For, in tJie state of 
accountable creatures, the natural, are subservient to moral 
causes; and it is to revelation we are indebted for a develops 
ment of what respects many of these ; which would other- 
wise, notwithstanding our most careful inquiries, remain 
enwrapped in impenetrable darkness. 

The cause of death stands fully disclosed on the page of 
holy writ: It was by the introduction of sin into our world, 
that it obtained its power; of sin, which has infected our 
nature, and deprived us of our immortality, in the present 
life, as it has of our innocence and happiness. Death was 
threatened as the punishment of sin, when the Great Crea- 
tor, and Moral Governor, gave his first law to man : And. 
its introduction, continuance, and power, aitord convincing 
proof of the rebellion, guilt, and general depravity of the 
human race. 

^ True it is, to the glory of Divine mercy be it spoken, a 
dispensation of grace has been sent to our world, through 
the mediation of the incarnate Son of God, and as many as 
have accepted the overtures of his grace, by an unfeigned 
repentance and faith, have, by his merciful interposition, 
been absolved from their guilt, and delivered from the 
power of sin; but even these do not obtain sinless per- 
fection, in the present life; and are, therefore, the 
proper subjects of natural death. The scriptures assic^n 
other reasons also, for the death of good men : One is 
that their afflictions may be shortened, and they taken 
from the evil to come. Another cogent reason, is as- 
signed by the apostle, when he says, " flesh and blood 
cannot inherit the kingdom of God : Therefore, this cor- 
ruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal, immor- 
tality. As though he had said, " the God of mercy designs 
a heaven of glory for his redeemed ; but of this in the 
present condition of their nature they cannot partake • The 
tie therefore, which holds the two grand constituent parts 
in union, must be dissolved ; the body must be reduced to 
Its first principles, that it may be raised in a new and glorious 
torm ; and the immortal spirit must be released from its 
prison of clay, that it may escape the pollution inseparable 
trom us earthly state, and, expanding all its powers, rise 



to 



to the bright regions of perfect life, hollnesj, felicity and 
joy." 

If the designs of mercy, for their accomplishment, require 
the removal of the righteous from their present state of exis- 
tence; the claims of justice demand, no less, the death of 
the wicked: That they may cease to abuse the bounties of 
Providence, the divine long-suffering, and the day of grace ; 
and suffer the infliction of that punishment wliich their sins 
deserve. 

Another reason, for our universal mortality, which may 
be inferred from the economy of God*s moral government, 
is the restraint it lays on the passions and vices of men, by 
producing a salutary fear; which is of important use, not 
only in a moral and religious view, but in its influence 
ou social and civil life; affording one of the most powerful 
sanctions to laws and government. 

Our second proposition is, the importance of the subject. 
This will appear to be great, when we consider the astonishing 
change death produces on the persons and circumstances of 
men. However finely formed, vigorous and active the body ; 
death reduces it to the rank of a clod of the valley. The 
fine features are clothed with deformity; and the active 
limbs become inert as congealed water, or the insensible 
rock. The countenance, in which beauty shone, with all 
its charms ; or in which superior sense, manly virtue and 
dignity appeared to their highest advantage; no longer 
beams with love, wisdom, courage, friendship, or benevo- 
lence ; but is covered with an apalling gloom. The eye no 
longer expresses the feelings of the soul ; the ear is no more 
attuned to the meaning and harmony of sound ; and the 
tongue, which was most eloquent, is hushed into perpetual 
silence. — The heart ceases to beat ; the purple fluid to find 
its passage through the lessening and expanding tubes ; the 
fine-spun cords of sensation cannot perform their office; nor 
can the muscles exert their force. The exquisitely curious 
mechanism, of the animal economy, is deranged and bro- 
ken; and man's whole material part (oh, humbling consi- 
deration to human pride!) is changed into a mass of corrupt 
tion — a feast for worms — a, body of dust I — While the im- 
mortal 



mortal soul, dislodged from its former residence, removes 
to distant worlds, and enters on an everlasting, untried state 
ef being. 

The relative, and social ties, are broRen by death: Those, 
rvho were united in the bands of dearest amity, must then 
part to meet on earth no more. The right of possession is 
lost. The master and the monarch resign their authority ; 
and the servant is forever free. 

Death puts an end to all the business and pursuits of the 
present life : The agriculturist, m.erchant, architect, philoso- 
pher, statesman and hero ; the libertine and man of virtue ; 
the peasant and the emperor, must alike leave their plans unfi- 
nished, or abandon their undertakings, when the king of 
terrors strikes his fatal blow. The rich man, on the night 
when God requires his soul, must give up the idea of pul- 
ling down his barns to build greater, for securing his plenti- 
ful harvest ; Archimedes must leave his interesting demon- 
stration incomplete, and Chatham his eloquent speech un- 
finished ; Cxszv must abandon his schemes of conquest and 
dominion, and Richard his plans of ambition and tyranny; 
though, to preserve his life, to accomplish them, he would 
give a kingdom for a horse ! 

Death terminates the enjoyments and sufferings of life„ 
The great will not then receive the flattery of their 
fiwning sychophants, nor gratify their pride by appearing 
in the pageantries of state ; nor will the prosperous receive 
the congratulations of their friends. The miser must leave 
his hoards of wealth; the epicure his dainty feast; and the 
libertine the embraces of his Delilah. — Even the innocent 
enjoyments of virtuous life must be abandoned. — On the 
other hand, death terminates the sufferings of life, whether 
of a public or private nature. War, famine, and pestilence; 
devouring flames, and over-whelming floods, cannot pursue 
us beyond the grave; nor can racking pain, incurable dis- 
ease, or wasting care, there make us their prey. The shafts 
of malice, envy, and revenge, shall then be shot in vain. — 
The prisoner shall come forth from the dungeon, and the 
oppressed be released, forever, from the tyrant's rod, and 
galling chain. — The servants of God have their peculiar af- 
B flictions ; 



10 

flictions; but, at death, they shall be freed from ♦^hcm -Jli 
From the rage of persecutors, the snares of temptation, 
and the evil of sin ; that greatest and worst of evils. Their 
toils shall then end; their doubts and fears vanish; and 
their long nights of desertion shall be exchanged for the 
bright, everlasting day of beatific vision. 

But that which gives greatest weight to the consideration 
of death, is this solemn truth — that it ends man's proba- 
tionary state; and delivers over the whole human race to 
an unchanging eternity of happiness or misery. Holy-writ 
therefore proclaims, in a language too plain to be mistaken, 
and, in reason's ear, louder than the thunder of heaven — 
'* It is appointed unto men once to die; but after this 
" the judgment." — As the means of grace, so the hopes of 
mercy extend not to sinners beyond the grave. " Then he 
«* that is holy shall be holy still ; and he that is filthy shall be 
•* filthy still." 

We were, in the third place, to consider the right man- 
ner of improving the consideration of death. This, in gen- 
eral, consists in acquiring the necessary preparation for it, 
as it respects ourselves ; in cherishing such sentiments tow- 
ard our fellow mortals, as their circumstances and christian 
benevolence require ; and in conducting ourselves toward 
our God, in respect of this solemn subject, as the wisdom, 
righteousness, and majesty of his government demand. But as 
a great variety of interesting particulars are comprehended 
in these general subjects, the illustration of only a few will 
be attempted. 

First : It should be considered as an urgent reason for cur 
sincere, immediate reconciliation to God, according to the 
gospel scheme of salvation. This includes repentance for 
sin, faith in the Redeemer, and subjection to his authority ; 
and necessarily requires a faithful, diligent use of the means 
of grace. By repentance, the scriptures evidently mean a 
forsaking, as well as confession of sin, and sorrow for it : And 
we should do great injustice to the gospel, to suppose, that 
faith in the Redeemer, which it enjoins, means no more, 
than a speculative assent to his being the Messiah ; or such 
an assent, as would, at best, produce a gold and formal 

profession 



11 

profession of his religion. The faith which is connected 
with salvation, is an active, powerful principle ; the gift of 
God, and fruit of his holy spirit ; which works by love and 
purifies the heart. It consists in a firm persuasion, on the 
testimony of heaven, that Jesus is the Son of God, and the 
only Saviour of men ; and in such a reliance on his justify- 
ing righteousness, atoning blood, and living intercession, 
as causes us to cleave to him as the anchor of our hope, the 
ark of our safety, and city of our refuge ; to the utter ex- 
clusion of any dependence on our own supposed wisdom, 
strength, or righteousness. 

Subjection to the authority of Christ, is essential to an 
interest in him : -' For those who obey not the gospel of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, shall be punished with everlasting de- 
struction, from the presence of the Lord and the glory of 
his power." In vain do we call him, *' Lord! Lordl if 
we do not the things he has commanded us." Obedience is, 
indeed, the proper effect, and evidence, of a christian's 
faith and love ; and as essential to his present, as future hap- 
pinefs — to his peace, as to his duty : And experience will 
prove, that the Redeemer's " commands are not grievous"; 
but *' ways of pleasantness, and paths of peace." 

Reconciliation to God, through the mediation of his son, 
comprehends, the pardon of our sins, justification of our 
persons, renovation of our nature, adoption into tlie heavenly 
family, and a title to eternal life. These are blessings of 
such vast magnitude and excellence ; that, as reason will 
dictate, every exertion should be made to obtain them ; 
but they can only be obtained in the present life, from the 
grace of God, and in the use of those means which infinite 
wisdom and goodness have appointed. How then should we 
search the scriptures with diligence; meditate on our ever- 
lasting concerns with seriousness; pray with fervor ; and 
attend on all the ordinances of both private, and publick 
worship, with earnestness : Lest death should arrest us in an 
unprepared state ? For it often happens, that at such an 
hour as we think not, God's awful messenger arrives. ** A 
moment, and the world's blown up to thee ! The sun i$ 
darkness and the stars are dust!" 
Bz 

Secondly : 



Secondly : The consideiation of death should excite m 
to moderate our wishes, and expectations riom the worid ; 
to lay a salutary restraint on our appetites and par^^ions i 
which are, ordinarily, too much excited by the objects of 
sense; and to lay up our treasure in heaven. U should, 
also, induce us, after the example of our Divine Lord, to 
improve our time in the most careful manner, and make our 
lives as useful as possible; by performing all the works of 
piety, and benevolence: According to that memorable rule 
of the Saviour, '*! must work the works of him that sent me 
while It is day ; the night cometh, when no man can work.'* 
How should we endeavor to catch each moment as it flies, 
and apply it to some important purpose ? A day, once gone, 
is as much out of our power as the years beyond the flood ; 
And surely, the heart of every good man must expand with 
that sublime, generous wish — '* while yet I live, let me not 
live in vain !" 

Thirdly : From this consideration we should cherish in 
our hearts a tender regard to the religious, everlasting inter- 
ests of our fellow mortals, who yet live ; but who, we 
know, must soon die ; and it should make their lives, on 
the right termination of which so much depends, appear 
precious in our sight : That our counsels, example, and 
spirit may be employed, in recommending to them the 
justest principles, and noblest pursuits. 

It should also instruct us to restrain extravagant, and to 
exclude hopeless grief, for those of our departed friends, 
who have given good evidence of their faitii, hope, and 
charity : As we know they have only suffered by death the 
common lot of man ; and have, through grace, gained an 
unspeakable advantage by the change. — For us it remains, 
to honor their memory, and copy their example. 

Lastly : As the primary reason of death's dominion is 
found to originate in man's guilt, and God's justice ; and as 
secondary, but important reasons are furnished from the wis- 
dom and love of God, in his providence, and gracious 
designs toward men ; they should, therefore, teach us to 
humble purselves in the Divine presence ', to be reconciled to 

our 



18 

cur own dissolution ; and to entertain exalted thoughts of 
God's morai government. 

Before we indulge a murmuring thought on account of our 
mortality, let each one ask himself — why is it that I yet 
live ; when my life is forfeited by sin ? Why am I not placed 
in such circumstances of affliction as to make death appear 
desirable ? Why have 1 not been for my fins, as the fallen 
angels, excluded from the hope of God*s mercy ? Why 
have not the heavens, long since, blazed with the lightnings 
of his wrath ; and the right-aimed thunder bolts of his 
vengeance fallen on my devoted head ? 

It is Jehovah's high prerogative to bring good out of 
evil : And how can we sufficiently, in this instance, admire 
that goodness which has changed the curse into a blessing— 
by making terrific death a peaceful messenger, to call his 
redeemed people home, from all their tribulations, to the 
bosom of his love ! 

It remains that we attempt an improvement of this subject, 
by its application to the mournful event we this day deplore. 

The general idea inculcated by the text, which has been 
the subject of confideration — That no man, not e'ven the 
greatest, is exempt from death ; naturally leads us to contem- 
plate the life, character, and death of the Honorable 
Major General Alexander Hamilton, late first 
in command in the armies of these United States ; who 
now lies in the silent, dreary grave ! — To this interesting 
mournful subject, let us attend : 

General Hamilton, must be ranked among those most 
distinguished characters, who have risen to eminence, by 
their superior personal endowments, and vigorous exertions. 

Born in humble circumstances, he had, according to the 
common course of events, no claim to a fortune. He re- 
ceived, however, a liberal education, in the college of 
Columbia, at New- York : And made such rapid advances 
in literature, as to astonish his associates and instructors. 
He was pursuing his studies, in this seminary, when the 

American 



14 

American revolution commenced ; and presented to the 
world the rare example of a student, in a college, writing 
against, and confuting hib principal : For the president 
wrote in favour of the policy which the British pursued 
atthat period. This juvenile production, of the generaPs, has 
been esteemed by good judges, a^ one of the best publica- 
tions which have been written in favor of the American 
measures. 

Though educated with a view to the church, his genius 
and inclination led him to the army : And having obtained 
a commission, he so distinguished himself, as to attract, very 
early, the particular attention of general Washington ; who 
appointed him one of his aids. Jn this office he continued, 
assisting in the most important councils, and sharing in all 
the dangers of hi^ general i enjoying his unreserved confi- 
dence and particular affection, till the surrender of earl 
Cornwallis, at York-Town. Soon after this event, when he 
considered the war, in effect, closed, he retired from the ar- 
my; and was, in a short time afterwards, chosen a m.ember 
of congress, for the state of New-York. In this new sta- 
tion, he excited the admiration of his colleagues in the na- 
tional council, as well by his profound political knowledge, 
as by his greatness and energy of mind, and matchless 
eloquence. 

On the conclusion of the peace, he applied himself to the 
study and profession of ' law ; and soon took the first 
station at tliQ bar. 

But his fellow citizens again confided to his hands, their 
most important, public interests ; by delegating him to the 
grand convention, which formed the present constitution of 
our general government. In the transactions of that august 
body, he performed an important part j and was the only- 
member, from the state he represented, who signed the con- 
stitution. His learned comments on it, afterwards, and 
masterly reasoning in its support, are known to have contri- 
buted more toward its adoption, than the labours of an^ 
other man. 

On the organization of the general government, he was 
called to the head of the treasury deparcment; and must be 

considered. 



15 

considered, as the author of that system of finance, whicli 
restored the credit of these United States, and gave a flow- 
to that tide of prosperity, with which they have since been 
favored. We are, also, assured, by the most respectable 
authority, that the adoption of the plan of neutraliLy, which 
was the mean of preserving peace to this country, at a 
most critical period, was greatly owing to the support he> 
in this station, gave to the sentiments of the executive. 

Again he retired to private life. But when our govern- 
ment, in consequence of the injuries and insults received 
from the late directory of France, thought proper to raise, 
and organize a provisional army, under the command of the 
great and virtuous Washington; the second station, in milita- 
ry authority, was, by general Washington's particular re- 
quest, given to General Hamilton: Who, on the death 
of the commander in chief, succeeded him in command 
of the army. 

^ It is unnecessary, to recite what is present in the recollec- 
tion of all, concerning the change of circumstances and 
measures which soon followed : — Suffice it to say, that the 
general then retired, for the last time, in all the vigor of 
manhood, to the scenes of private and domestic life : Con- 
tinuing, however, his profession of the law ; which appears 
to have been necessary for the support of his numerous and 
beloved family. In this employment, while serving his cli- 
ents, supporting justice, and both instructing and charming 
the admiring multitudes, who thronged to hear his masterly 
pleadings, he was arrested by the awful stroke of death. 

^ In a review of the general's character, established by a 
life of nearly 48 years, almost thirty of which have been 
employed in serving his country, we shall be constrained to 
acknowledge him a man of transcendant genius; a refined 
scholar; an accomplished gentleman ; an eloquent, powerful 
orator; a profound civilian; a heroic soldier; a great 
statesman; and (I hope I may add, without exaggeration, 
or offence to any) a sincere patriot. The last particular, has 
been called in question on two principal grounds : His mov- 
ing in the convention, that the president, in case of good 
iiehaviour, should hold his office for life ; and his opposing 

that 



i6 

that change in our government, of men and measures, which 
it has of iate obtained. The fact, in either case, we mean 
not to deny: But if, as has been ailedged by those who 
best knew him, his apprehensions, in the first instance, 
were — that frequent competitions, between aspiring influen- 
tial rivals, for that high office, would divide the nation into 
parties, destroy its harmony, unsettle its government, and 
endanger its liberty ; and, in the other, that the coniempia- 
ted change originated in the ambition of the prime movers ; 
and, in a desire to copy after the principles and measures of 
France ; which he fore-saw would end in military despotism 
and royalty — then, surely, his patriotism should not, on these 
accounts, be impeached. And, if, in these instances, he 
erred in judgment; yet, we may, with the eloquent eulogist 
at his funeral, claim the national clemency in favor of his 
memory. 

That he has rendered his country important services can- 
not be denied: — And, of his disinterestedness, we have 
strong, presumptive proof, in his dying poor ! Especially, 
when we consider, that he was at the head of the treasury 
department, when the funding system was established; which 
he scorned to turn to his personal enjolument, at the ex- 
pence of the war-worn soldier • though others, under his ob- 
servation, were making it the mean of acquiring vast es- 
tates : And, when we farther consider, that his mode of liv- 
ing was not in the style of ostentation and prodigality ; but 
conducted on a plan of moderation and economy. 

We can indeed, hardly suppose, that he could have 
enjoyed so much of the confidence and friendship of the 
discerning, virtuous Washington, had not the evidences of 
his attachment to the liberties and interests of his country 
been strong. — The extraordinary funeral honors conferred 
on him by the city in which he had been brought up, and 
where he held his fixed residence ; and the tears .shed at his 
death, by its weeping thousands, who knew him well, have 
proclaimed to the world their esteem for his public charac- 
ter, and for his many virtues. Even the printer, who had 
ranked vsith his most violent opponents, now comes forward, 
in a maniiCr honorable to himself, but peculiarly so to the 
deceased; and acknowledges him to have been a man of 
consummate worth, as well as of pre-eminent talents. 

Among 



17 

Among his virtues, justice, candor, magnanimity, cle- 
mency, mi benevolence, appear to have held a high rank. 
Piis spanng the lives of i he British soldiers who defended the 
redoLibcat York-Town, taken by storm under his command* 
at a time when the cruel conduct of the enemy, at New- 
London, called aloud for retaliation ; has erected a monument 
to his humanity, which the ravages of time will not 
obliterate.«-In one instance, however, in a former part of 
Jiis life, his virtue, by his own acknowledgment, was found 
defective ; and the exposure of his life, in the fatal duel, 
which brought him to the grave, cannot, in a moral view, 
be justified. 

We have not any particular account of the o-eneral's at- 
tention to religion, till near the close of his life;"and indeed, 
from the circumstances already noticed, there is reason to 
think, that however he might have believed its truths, and 
venerated us principles ; it had not exerted its vital influence 
On his soul, until about that period. But the accounts fur- 
nished by two eminent ministers of the gospel, who attended 
Jhim in his last scenes; and especially, that by the Reverend 
Mr. Mason, one of the most pious, evangelical, and able 
JJivines on the continent, give us abundant reason to believe 
that he died a real christian. To bishop Moore he professed, 
that_ he had, for some time, entertained an intention of 
uniting in the communion of the church : And his reluctance 
to engage m the duel ; >is disapprobation of the practice* 
Irom moral principles, strongly expressed to his second, to 
both the clergymen, and previously committed to writing; 
and his fixed determination not to injure his opponent, while 
he exposed his own life— are strong indications of a mind 
under serious impressions of religion. But the representa- 
tion made by Mr. Mason, of his cordial assent to the most 
peculiar and important doctrines of the gospel ; his sense of 
sin,andtheneedof a Saviour ; his reliance on Christ's atonina: 
blood, for pardon and acceptance with God ; his fervent 
prayers for mercy ; his exalted sense of the riches and 
iieeness of God's grace ; and his enlarged charity toward 
tne man wao had occasioned his death, and toward all man- 
^nd— afford pleasing evidence, in favor of the sentiment, that 
.Lf e.^penenced a gracious change, and was in a 

state ot reconciliation with his God. 



i8 

In the midst of all our grief, for the loss of this truly- 
great man, and most valuable citizen ; this consideration, 
that there is just reason to hope his desembodied spirit has 
entered into the realms of eternal light and glory, is to our 
souls, as would be the most reviving cordial to our fainting ani- 
mal life : — Or rather, as the genial influence of the great 
luminary of the natural world, when rising with all his 
effulgence, after a dark and stormy night, chases the 
darkness and disperses the clouds — so this christian hope, 
consoles our grief, dispels our fears, and opens to our mental 
view, prospects, which shine bright with bliss. 

And didst thou Hamilton ! in thy last hours, embrace, 
with a grateful heart, the hope which sovereign mercy gives 
to every truly penitent sinner ? Wast thou content to venture 
thy everlasting all, on the atoning blood, meritorious righte- 
ousness and prevaling intercession of the gracious Immanuel ? 
Did thy great soul willingly submit to his authority ? And 
hast thou, through his all-sufficient merit, and renewing 
grace, obtained meetness for an inheritance among the saints 
in light, and found admission there ? — We rejoice with thee 
in thy happy change ; and hail thee, escaped from the 
storms of life, and landed safe on the peaceful shores of 
everlasting rest ! Nor would we forget, to unite with thee> 
in ascribing all the glory to God and to the Lamb ! 

But yet, turning our attention back to earth, and to the 
interests of those who still inhabit this vale of tears ; we 
are again constrained to exclaim — How is the mighty 
fallen ! — How 1 — Was it by the act of God, that this great 
man fell ? Or by the hand of a public enemy, in the tented 
field, and in defence of his country's liberty; when en- 
dangered by foreign war, or domestic insurrection ? No : — • 
It was through the influence of party-rage; and by a 
practice, handed down from barbarous ages and nations ; by 
which even they were disgraced. — When, America ! When, 
O, my country ! shall these evils cease to afflict thee !? 

The practice of duelling, brought so affectingly inta 
view, by General HAMiLTON'suntimely, lamented death* 
requires, at this time, a serious consideration: And it would 
be inexcusable in the conduct of a gospel minister, while 

performing 



19 

performing the service, which is thi'' day allotted to me, to 
pass this cruel custom over unnoticed; or without attempting 
to fix your attention on its great, and, 1 fear, growing 
evil. 

How much precious blood has it been the means of shed- 
ding ? Of how many valuable citizens has it deprived the 
nation ? What a spirit of resentment, and false honor, has 
it promoted in the community at large ? And how many im- 
mortal souls has it hurried into eternity, unprepared; to ap- 
pear, with terror and despair, before the tribunal of their 
righteous, offended Judge ? 

I pass over the distressing scene, which is exhibited in the 
case of a man, who has fallen in the contest; and lies wel- 
tering in his blood, in the near views of eternity ; agoni- 
zing, under the conviction, that he has sported away his 
life in a cause, that serious reflection, and his conscience, 
cannot justify. I attempt not to describe the horror and re- 
morse of him, who, for a little, or supposed affront, has 
slain a worthy man ; perhaps, his, heretofore, esteemed, 
and bosom friend. I open not to your view, the distresses of 
a disconsolate family, dissolved in tears, for the loss of its 
faithful guardian, and prudent director; of the affectionate 
husband, and fond parent. I dwell not on the insult offered 
by this horrid practice, to the majesty of the laws — thus in- 
sulted, even by magistrates and legislators themselves; who 
should be the guardians of its rights and honors ? — But I 
must call for your particular attention to the consideration 
of its moral turpitude, and pernicious consequences; as 
they affect man's chief duty, and everlasting interests. 

Has not the God of heaven forbidden murder and re- 
venge : And do not these evils, notwithstanding all the re- 
finements which have been attempted, by the reputed men of 
honor, form, in fact, the basis of the practice ? Will not, 
also, the righteous, eternal Sovereign, enforce the sanc- 
tions of his laws ? Or can we, rationally, suppose, that our 
ten thousand talents will be forgiven ; when, to exact a tri- 
fle, we are ready to seize a brother by the throat ? Hard, 
indeed, must be the heart of that man, who, from a princi- 
ple of resentment, for some comparatively small injury, 
C 2 done 



20 

done to his per'on or honor, can consent to plunge a fellow 
creature into everlasting ruin ; or, to quit his own station of 
duty, assigned by providence, and his eternal hopes, to 
gratify the inhuman passion. What injury, ipdccd, to his 
honor, can an individual sustain, in this sliort lite, which 
will justify the conduct? 

J do not n-:can to say that reputation is of little moment. 
No; it is of vast consequence to man; and will, ever, be 
scrupulously regarded by the virtuous mind : I'ut let ic be 
supported by such means idcve^ as arc worthy of a rational, 
immortal creature. Against brutal force, a public enemy, 
the hand of the robber and assassin, wc'arc, no doubt, jus- 
stified in employing force for our defence, :u the risk of the 
:v,T;-c;res5or ; but in a state of civil society, the whole of our 
personal interests should, according to the ordinance of 
God, be committed to the guardianship of the laws. 

Of the advocr.tcs for duelling ; I would ask : What are its 
great advantages ? Js it the test of courage .? Alas ! ** Cow- 
*' ards have fought ; cowards have conquered; but a coward 
'' never forgave !" Men of tlie most genuine, tried cou- 
rage, have been known to reject and hold it in contempt : 
The heroic colonel Gardiner could say, to his proposed anta- 
gonist — " Sir, you know I am not afraid to fight ; but I am 
*' afraid to sin.'* Jn fact, there is ren.^on to conclude, that 
want of courage to face the censure and obloquy of the 
imwise, brings many to the field of private combat. 

Js it the regular, or eiTectual method of punishing the 
guilty, and of vindicating the cau:e of justice? Jf so; 
how is it that the aggressor so often triumphs; and lives, to 
sUiTer the censure and contempt of all wise and good men, 
as well as the reproach of his own conscience ? 

Is it the proper test of rcf ned sentiment and virtuous 
lionor? Why, then, are duellists so ofcen charged, and ap- 
parently, in justice, with such a variety of imn-.oral, d^- 
honorable actions; while others, who are utterly averse to 
the practice, are deservedly esteemed, confided in, and re- 
vered, for their virtue and refinement. Indeed, it rather 
ssems, that men are prepared, ordinarily, to be duellists, 

in 



21 

ill proportion as they lose the finer feelings of the heart; are 
freed from the restraint of moral and religious principles; 
and fill! under the dominion of pride, ambition, malice, 
and revenge. 

But with some, perhaps with many, it is a sacrifice of 
their own principles and feelings, to what they consider the 
public sentiment. This appears to have been, precisely, the 
c.ise with General Hamilton : And presents us with a 
spectacle, too aifecting to be minutely surveyed. That he was 
wrong, he has not left for me to declare. — 

Let none suppose, that his pointed disapprobation, and 
severe censure of duelling, expressed with his dying breath, 
were the eltects of weakness, or religious melancholy, oc- 
casioned by the ebbing of life : For however weak in body, 
he appears to have been in the vigorous exercise of his in- 
tellectual powers. The truth to be regarded here, is this we 

are frequently fascinated, and thrown into a delirium, in a 
moral'sense, by the glare of life ; but awakened to right views, 
sentiments and feelings, in the near prospect of eternal real- 
ities. — Oh, that he had lived to execute his benevolent 
purpofe, of exposing the evil of this penicious usage: Or 
that I possessed, on this occasion, his irresistible eloquence, to 
plead against it in the cause of justice, humanity and re- 
ligion 1 

This subject claims the serious attention of our legislators. 
Let them frame their laws so as to do the most ample justice 
to the injured honor, as well as to the person, and property 
of the citizen : That the reasons assigned for duelling may, 
as much as possible, be prevented. Ilut, at the same time, 
let the lav/s operate, with such precision and force, against 
the practice, that those who have the temerity to infringe 
them, may not escape with impunity. 

Too often indeed, a prevailing principle, or sentiment, 
originating in the spirit of the people, proves in its operati- 
on paramount to law : The practice proceeds, and the law- 
lies dormant, to the disgrace of the government. This, it 
is feared, will be the case respecting duelling; unless the 
public sentiment and taste a.-e corrected, 

Gciitlcmen 



2« 

Gentlemen of the Cincinnati ! who have done honor to 
yourselves, and to your country, in the profession of arms; 
from whom the sentiments of honor, as connected with 
courage, must take their tone in society : Patriots of the 
Revolution, and supporters of its principles ! To whom the 
interests of your country and of humanity are dear — ^ is there 
no expedient which your wisdom can devise; which your 
patriotism and religion will approve; and which your cou- 
rage can enforce — to bring this barbarian-practice into 
disuse, and to the disgrace it has demerited : No expedient 
by which, a man of virtue, when placed in the late situation 
of the lamented General Hamilton, may appeal to a 
tribunal of justice, and of honor, for redress, under the 
smiles of an approving public ? Perhaps there never was a 
period, since we became a nation, which, from a general 
concurrence of public sentiment, was so favourable to such a 
benevolent attempt, as the present. 

But I must add, in the words of Solomon : *' Whatsoe'ver 
your hands find to doy^ in this and every important transaction 
of life ; and especially, in your preparation for eternity ; 
*' Do it ^ith your tnight /" for death is on his way, and will 
soon arrest us. 

Think of it with seriousness— my dear hearers ! Regard 
it with profound attention — O ! my soul. Soon must we 
lie down in our clay-cold bed, and be held in iron slumbers 
«« till the heavens are no more !" Soon shall the commission- 
ed angel lift up his hand to heaven, and swear by the 
unutterable name, that time shall be no longer. The trump 
of God shall sound — the dead shall rise — the world shall 
burn ! — Then shall the Judge Eternal ascend his dread tribu- 
nal — his righteous, irrevocable sentence shall be passed— 
and the everlasting states of men be unalterably fixed ! 

For these interesting, and awful scenes, may God of his 
infinite mercy, prepare us, through Jesus Christ our Lord ! 



Xj 



